Leagues Cup primer: What to expect from inaugural round of games

The eight-team tournament, which will grow to 16 next season, lines some of the best clubs in both countries, on a collision course for a Las Vegas final in September. Another chance at silverware for all involved.

That road continues on Wednesday. Here's your primer:

Houston Dynamo vs. Club America

Wed. July 24 | 8:30 pm ET | BBVA Stadium | ESPN+, UDN

Will Giovani dos Santos make his Club America debut against MLS opposition? It's possible. The former Galaxy DP signed with Las Aguilas recently as he nears his return from injury.

The Dynamo get their second crack of 2019 against a Liga MX giant, after falling to Tigres UANL in the Concacaf Champions League earlier this year. Houston, like Chicago, haven't been in great MLS form lately but will get the chance at a fresh start on Wednesday.

It won't be easy, of course, but the Dynamo are intent on victory.

“If we want respect, we have to do well in these tournaments,” AJ DeLaGarza said. “Now we can't use the preseason bit as an excuse. We've got to pride ourselves, every MLS team will have to do that if we want to continue to close the gap on Liga MX.

Real Salt Lake vs. Tigres UANL

“This organization is putting a lot of stock into [Leagues Cup] that we’re in starting Wednesday,” RSL head coach Mike Petke said following Saturday's draw against Minnesota United. “I’m not even looking at [RSL's next league opponent FC] Dallas right now, I’m looking at Tigres.”

Led by Andre-Pierre Gignac, Eduardo Vargas and others in a star-studded squad, Tigres are among the favorites in this inaugural competition.